AN ACTION-PACKED year of live music has seen blockbuster concerts from huge international names and despite there only being three months left, there is still plenty to look forward to before 2023 ends.
With that in mind, Eastern Eye prepared a preview of some great live music events to look forward to in the months ahead.
Baluji Shrivastav OBE: The legendary sitar maestro continues to delight audiences on the live circuit and has great concerts in London. He will perform with music act Jazz Orient at fusion shows taking place at Holy Cross church next Saturday (14) and Rich Mix on November 10. He also has a solo performance at Nehru Centre on October 20.
www.balujimusicfoundation.org
Golden Journey of Bollywood: Talented singers will take audiences on a journey through Hindi film music from across the decades, with performances of all time classics. The show will take place at Elliot Hall, Harrow Arts Centre in Pinner next Saturday (14).
Qawwali Flamenco: There is a thrilling fusion of qawwali music and flamenco at Barbican Centre in London next Sunday (15). The unique concert is headlined by acclaimed Sufi singer Faiz Ali Faiz and flamenco guitarist Chicuelo, with an ensemble of singers.
www.barbican.org.uk
Nitin Sawhney: The acclaimed British music maestro returns to the Royal Albert Hall in London for another concert, with a full live band. The multilayered show on October 20 is part of the Journeys festival he has curated which celebrates diversity and identity through music, art, and discussion.
www.royalalberthall.com
Shubh: The Canadian rapper and singer has helped redefine Punjabi music in recent years. The UK leg of his Still Rollin world tour will be at Indigo at the O2 in London on October 29 and Forum in Birmingham on October 30. He will perform his greatest hits, with a live band.
www.rockonmusicuk.com
Darbar festival 2023: The annual Indian classical music festival returns for another series of culturally rich concerts at Barbican Centre in London, from October 22-29. This year there are shows headlined by world-class performers, including Ustad Tari Khan, Sarwar Hussain Khan, Jyoti Hegde, Alam Khan, Ranjani & Gayatri, Anupama Bhagwat, Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar, Pravin Godkhindi and Shashank Subramanyam.
www.barbican.org.uk
Yuva Kala Prathibha: Whether it is with young talent or established artists, The Bhavan Centre in London has classical concerts throughout the year. This one taking place on November 5 is an evening of violin and veena performed by the students of Sri Balu Raguraman and Smt Subathra Raguraman. They are accompanied by Sri M Balachandar and his students on Mridangam.
www.bhavan.net
Zain Zohaib: After a successful UK tour in 2022, the acclaimed Pakistani qawwali duo will return for more shows in November. You can catch them performing Sufi classics at Baylis House, Slough (10), Lyceum Banqueting suite, Bradford (11), Digbeth Hall, Birmingham (12) and Mayfair venue, Romford (17).
www.stringsentertainment.co.uk
Botown: Catch the British Bollywood fusion band at Elliot Hall, Harrow Arts Centre in Pinner on November 18. They will perform classic Hindi film songs from across the decades reborn with a unique soul funk twist.
www.harrowarts.com
Badshah Live: The massively popular Indian rapper will deliver his first big UK show at OVO Arena in London on November 25. He will perform his solo singles and top tracks from Bollywood with a full live band, and special guests.
Badshah
www.ovoarena.co.uk
Rewind Reloaded: Bollywood playback singer Kumar Sanu, Udit Narayan, and Abhijeet team up for the Rewind Reloaded UK tour in early December. The concerts will be filled with film hits, including all-time classics. You can catch them with a full live band at Resorts World Arena in Birmingham (1), OVO Arena in London (2) and First Direct Arena in Leeds (3).
www.ticketmaster.co.uk
Diljit's Instagram storyInstagram screengrab/ 
Diljit Dosanjh spotted at Coachella where he made history as a Punjabi headlinerGetty Images 
Fans cheer as Diljit takes the stage at an eventGetty Images
Big B defends his choice to praise Abhishek openly and others privately
Amitabh Bachchan reveals why he praises Abhishek publicly but not Jaya or Aishwarya
Quick highlights:
Amitabh Bachchan has responded to online comments asking why he often praises son Abhishek Bachchan on social media but not wife Jaya Bachchan, daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai, or daughter Shweta. The actor explained that while he chooses to support Abhishek publicly, he honours the women in his family privately, saying he prefers to respect them “in his heart.”
Bachchan defends Abhishek praise, addresses fan remarks online
The 81-year-old actor, who regularly shares photos and thoughts with fans, recently posted images of himself meeting admirers outside his Mumbai home, Jalsa. Captioned “Yes, I praise Abhishek. So?”, the post sparked comments from users questioning why he doesn’t do the same for Jaya, Aishwarya, or Shweta.
Responding directly, Bachchan wrote, “Yes, I shall praise them in my heart… not publicly… respect for the ladies.” His reply quickly circulated across platforms, with many praising his thoughtful answer. Others pointed to his tendency to engage more often when defending Abhishek, especially around film releases.
Bachchan also shut down a user accusing him of having “paid fans,” bluntly replying, “Prove it! You are small-minded… why don’t you pay and get fans too?” When another person mocked those waiting outside his home as “unemployed,” he replied with characteristic wit: “So give them a job? When they stand at the gate of Jalsa, they are EMPLOYED in love.”
Actor remains active on social media while juggling film projects
Bachchan has become increasingly interactive online in recent years, often directly responding to criticism and fan feedback. Meanwhile, Abhishek was last seen in Housefull 5, a multi-starrer comedy that released earlier this month. Jaya Bachchan appeared in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani in 2023, while Aishwarya Rai was part of Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan films. Despite the online chatter, Amitabh continues to walk his own path, on-screen and online.